Things to Do in Old City (Icherisheher)

Old City (Icherisheher) sits like a fortress within modern Baku, its ancient walls containing nearly a thousand years of Azerbaijani history in just 22 hectares. The UNESCO World Heritage site feels genuinely medieval as you wander its narrow cobblestone streets, where 12th-century mosques stand alongside traditional bathhouses and the mysterious Maiden Tower rises above it all. What makes it particularly fascinating is how it's still a living neighborhood - you'll find families hanging laundry from medieval buildings and local artisans working in workshops that have operated for generations. The area tends to be busiest during the day when tour groups make their rounds, but early morning and evening offer a more intimate experience when the golden light hits the ancient stones just right. You might find yourself genuinely surprised by how well-preserved everything feels, especially considering Baku's rapid modernization just outside these walls.

The dining scene within Old City (Icherisheher) tends toward traditional Azerbaijani cuisine, with several family-run restaurants occupying historic buildings that add atmosphere to every meal. You'll find excellent plov, kebabs, and local specialties like dolma and qutab, often served in courtyards or rooms with stone walls and traditional carpets. That said, the selection is somewhat limited within the walls themselves, so you might find yourself venturing into central Baku for more variety, where everything from modern Azerbaijani fusion to international cuisine is readily available.

Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer the most comfortable weather for wandering the cobblestone streets, with mild temperatures and generally clear skies. Summer can be quite hot and humid given Baku's location on the Caspian Sea, though early morning and evening visits remain pleasant. Winter is surprisingly mild but can be windy - the old city's narrow streets actually provide decent protection from Baku's famous winds, making it one of the more comfortable places to walk during cooler months.